65a

In the hustle and bustle of Spitalfields, it would be easy to walk past 65a’s elegant black doorway, but this would be a sorry mistake - there’s something about this French-inspired restaurant that feels like it’s always been there, in the best possible way.

Buzzy atmosphere, mix of seating options and friendly but professional service all contribute to an immediate feeling of easiness. We were seated in an elevated booth towards the back offering a cosy view of candle-lit tables and the stylish interior design. Vintage bistro chairs and leather booths rub up next to rich-toned wooden surfaces and black crittall windows in typically Gallic style, which feels both comfortably traditional and pleasingly modern.

Executive chef Maura Baxter leads the kitchen, and she has curated a menu of jovial French classics, offering a what's what of beloved bistro cooking from moules marinieres and French onion soup to a rich, silky pomme puree. Salmon - house-cured and thick-sliced - is paired up with piquant capers and the crunch of fresh fennel. Then, a whole native lobster, cooked to perfection in lemon and herb butter. An interactive dish for the table and even more delicious alongside the dauphinoise potatoes which are an absolute must-order. Creamy and rich, without being too much, the ever-so-slightly burned top will have you fighting over who gets the last spoonful.

Finally, for dessert, cookies and hot chocolate sauce were a sweet way to end the experience, but for us, it’s the tiramisu cocktail we’ll write home about. Served in the most elegant of glasses, this light, frothy tipple was inhalable and will drive anyone with a sweet tooth wild. Perfectly chilled and smooth, it won’t leave you feeling like you’ve overdone it, either.

Located in the vibrant Old Spitalfields Market, 65a is a chic bistro that boasts a menu that pays homage to classic French-inspired fare. Housed on 65a Brushfield Street, hence the name, here you’ll find a bright brasserie-style restaurant bursting with natural light from the large windows. A cosy cafe perfect for brunch and lunch, 65a turns into a cosy and candlelit spot that’s ideal for a romantic dinner for two. It’s an idyllic balance of traditional and contemporary, with wooden interiors and vintage seating.

Each element here has been meticulously chosen to create that classic French ambiance, inviting you to enjoy aesthetic and culinary pleasures in this elegant dining room. From the carefully selected tables and chairs to the gleaming glasses and neatly folded napkins, every detail is thoughtfully arranged to enhance your dining experience.

Various menus are on offer here, no matter when you’re in the area, boasting carefully crafted dishes, each showcasing simple yet skilful cookery and quality raw ingredients. Start your day with the brunch menu, packed full of classics including the likes of steak frites, croque madame and smashed avocado on sourdough topped with cured salmon of maple bacon.

An express lunch menu offers various salads and sandwiches with full roasts available if you’re in the area on a Sunday. The evening a la carte begins with starters of carlingford oysters with mignonette sauce, and French onion soup made with veal stock. For mains, try the native lobster served with lemon and herb butter or the free range rotisserie chicken served with a wine jus.

Classic French desserts are on offer to end the evening with an apple tarte tatin, creme brulee or gateau au chocolat all on the menu alongside sweet wines, dessert cocktails and options for a digestif. This theme continues onto the drinks menus with bottles of red, white and rose from across the country.